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Research has shown that gum (periodontal) disease is associated with several other diseases. For a long time it was thought that bacteria was the factor that linked gum disease to other disease in the body; however, more recent research demonstrates that inflammation may be responsible for the association. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.

DIABETES AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications.

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those people who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.

Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and gum disease goes both ways – periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications.

GUM DISEASE AND HEART DISEASE

HEART DISEASE

Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease. While a cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven, research has indicated that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease.

Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

STROKE

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

GUM DISEASE AND OTHER SYSTEMIC DISEASES

OSTEOPOROSIS

Researchers have suggested that a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation.

RESPIRATORY DISEASE

Research has found that bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lungs to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease.

CANCER

Researchers found that men with gum disease were 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.

Although teeth are the hardest parts of our bodies, they do have one weakness: they can be easily destroyed by acid. Plaque thrives on carbohydrates, sugar and acid and this combination, found in many of the drinks we consume, is what can ruin our teeth.

The acidity of substances is measured using the pH scale.

The lower the pH a drink has; the more acidic it is. Many well known drinks have a low pH, which means that they contain a lot of acid.

Our saliva normally has a pH of around 6.5, which is a healthy pH for teeth. When the pH of our mouth gets to 5.5 or below, the enamel on our teeth starts to dissolve. What this means is that when you drink something that has a pH lower than 5.5, it starts to eat away at your teeth. Of course, you can drink these drinks and still have healthy teeth, there are a lot of other factors involved……

New research has suggested that postmenopausal women who suffer from gum disease are at a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Researchers believe the link could be the result of a systemic inflammation which originates in the infected gums; they also suggest that bacteria from the mouth may enter the circulatory system through the gums which then affects the breast tissue.

It could be that gum disease means there’s kind of a general inflammation in the body. Inflammation is related to a number of cancers and stroke and heart disease, so it could be that chronic inflammation is causing both.

Studies have previously identified links between gum disease and potentially life threatening conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even dementia.

Gum disease is caused when plaque, a film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth, is not removed from the mouth correctly.

The first signs of gum disease include; blood on your toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth, gums bleeding when you are eating and persistent bad breath.

If not treated properly gum disease can lead to the tissues supporting the teeth becoming weakened and the teeth eventually falling out or having to be removed.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: “The health risks associated with gum disease are definitely not limited to the mouth, there is clear evidence that it can lead to some extremely serious health problems.

“This problem is made even worse due to the prevalence of gum disease; it is estimated that it affects half of all adults in the UK and up to 15% of adults are estimated to have severe periodontitis2.

“The best way to cut your risk of gum disease is to ensure that you have an effective oral health routine; this should involve brushing your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.

“You should also clean between your teeth at least once a day with interdental brushes or floss to make sure you are removing bacteria from all areas of the mouth.

“If you feel you have gum disease then you should visit you dentists straight away for a thorough check-up of your teeth and gums. Catching gum disease early is the best way to ensure that it is treated effectively.”

The launch of the all-new Adelphi Dental Centre website marks a new chapter for our clinic. Don’t worry, we’re staying true to the ethos our patients know and trust and we are as committed as ever to helping patients smile with confidence, and to providing an environment where the emphasis is on your comfort and wellbeing. Read More…